Sub Rosa Ties ( A High School Dark Romance)

Zera

A gentle moan escaped my lips as I attempted to stir, only to find myself pinned down by an oppressive weight.

Something heavy pressed down on me, rendering movement impossible. With a gradual flutter, my eyes peeled open, revealing the sight of the ceiling looming above me.

I conducted a sluggish scan of my surroundings, piecing together the fragments of memory to recollect my whereabouts.

As my eyes descended, recollections from the previous night flooded back with startling clarity.

There I was, Gerard curled up against me, his head pressed against my bare chest, his arm wrapped around my waist in a way that almost seemed desperate, making me wonder if I owed him something.

My gaze fell upon Gerard's curly, brown hair, a stark opposite to their damp state from the previous night. As his hair hovered near my nose, a faint citrus scent teased my senses.

Without thinking, I reached out and ran my fingers through his hair, relishing its soft texture.

Gerard responded with a soft sigh, his grip on me tightening slightly. Worried about disturbing his sleep, I quickly withdrew my hand, not wanting to disrupt the peace of the moment.

I was still naked beneath him and I realized I had to hit the shower soon. Sarah's warning about the bus leaving at 8 rang in my head, telling me to hurry up.

Trying to wriggle free, I tugged at Gerard's arm around me, but he held on tight.

"Gerard," I half-murmured, half-croaked, but his steady breathing persisted, filling my chest with warmth.

"Gerard," I called out a bit louder, gently tapping his shoulder. I couldn't help but admire its strength as my fingertips made contact with the firm muscle.

He emitted a soft groan, and a fluttering sensation stirred in my stomach in response. "Wake up," I urged, lightly ruffling his hair with a delicate touch.

But he remained unresponsive, his steady breathing the only reply. With a resigned sigh, I gave up my attempts to awaken him and directed my gaze back toward the ceiling.

Before long, the room was filled with the buzzing sound of a phone, and I recognized it as Gerard's.

I gently tapped him once more, prompting him to stir. Slowly, Gerard shifted his weight, easing himself off me, and his eyelids fluttered open, revealing a warm gaze fixed upon me.

Butterflies erupted within me as I gazed at him, marveling at how effortlessly handsome he appeared even in the early hours of the morning.

I couldn't fathom how someone could exude such charm at this hour.

Meanwhile, I was all too aware of my own disheveled appearance, knowing full well that it wouldn't be a flattering sight.

"Good morning," I murmured, my voice tight with uncertainty, but before I could utter another word, he silenced me by leaning down and planting a soft kiss on my lips.

He drew back, a smile adorning his lips.

"Your phone is buzzing," I interjected hastily, darting my eyes towards the source of the sound.

"Let it ring," his voice came out hoarse and husky, barely discernible. He nestled into my neck, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me closer.

"Good morning, Zera Palmer," he groaned playfully, giving my neck a playful nibble. I chuckled in response, shaking slightly at the sensation.

"I think you should pick it up," I forced out, my words strained as Gerard's hand began to trail down my bare chest.

With a reluctant groan, he pushed himself upright, his movements revealing that he was clad only in his boxers.